Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/17

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Subject: RE: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?
From: Colin <CJV@home.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 14:50:28 -0500

Julian, 

I tend to feel the same way.  At 400 speed, I use only XP-2.  I use
other films because I'm not comfortable pushing XP-2, so it's always
Tri-X or something else above 400.  Below 400, it's Scala or APX25 for
me.  

XP-2 isn't the *best* film out there, but I love the look.  At ISO400,
it has relatively little shadow detail, but seemingly infinite highlight
detail.  It looks, to me, as though a red filter was used all the time.
I submit some of my own shots here as illustrations:

http://www.availabledark.com/html/wnj05.htm
http://www.availabledark.com/html/ali11.htm
http://www.availabledark.com/html/friends22.htm

I can't think of any other film that gives me that look.  I guess the
only other reason one might use a "real" B&W film is longevity.  

Regards, 
Colin
http://www.availabledark.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us 
> [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of 
> Julian Koplen
> Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 2:32 PM
> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?
> 
> 
> The question in the subject line has to do with a certain 
> resistance on my part.  I assembled most of the materials 
> necessary to process my own B/W negatives, as I had done some 
> 35 years ago.  But each time I prepare to get some 
> conventional B/W film for home processing, I ask myself "why 
> not just use XP-2 with its smooth tonality and fine grain, 
> then pay Wal-Mart $1.80 for C-41?
> 
> Obviously, if one needs 3200 speed or super fine detail, that 
> could be a reason to use conventional B/W, or if one simply 
> enjoys the process, but aside from that, for general shooting 
> where ISO 400 is adequate, why isn't everybody just using 
> XP-2?  What special are you getting from Delta 400, FP-4, Tri-X, etc?
> 
> For background, I gave up my Valoy II and became dormant in 
> the hobby many years ago, but am now taking a few pictures 
> again, getting negatives done at Wal-Mart, and then doing the 
> rest with my computer, Picture Window 3.x, and Epson 1270.
> 
> Thanks for any insights (and hopefully, for the inspiration 
> to wet my own again).
> 
> Julian

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Replies: Reply from Andrew Schroter <schroter@optonline.net> (Re: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?)
Reply from "Julian Koplen" <jkoplen@mindspring.com> (Re: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?)
Reply from "Julian Koplen" <jkoplen@mindspring.com> (Re: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?)